NECESSITY,
FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: The practice of physical therapy is rapidly evolving
and changing in purpose and scope. The purpose of this administrative
regulation is to define clearly the desired goals of physical therapy and the
permissible means of achieving these goals. In this manner, standards of
physical therapy practice are clearly established and may be used to evaluate
particular treatments which have been used or which may later evolve.

Section 1. Goals
of the patient-physical therapy unit include, but are not limited to,
maintaining health, preserving functional capacity, and in the presence of
impairment, developing or reestablishing function through carefully planned,
and implemented programs. In order to reach these objectives, the physical
therapist provides consultation, evaluates patients, identifies problems, plans
programs, and provides direct treatment.

Section 2. Patient
Management. Adequate, effective, and efficient patient care is the ultimate
goal of physical therapy. The physical therapist evaluates each patient, and
determines those ways in which he can contribute to total health management. He
then plans and implements a treatment program, reevaluating and making
modifications as necessary. A physical therapist shall refer to a licensed
physician or dentist any patient whose medical condition should, at the time of
evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the scope of practice of
the physical therapist. When basis for treatment is referral, the physical
therapist may confer with the referring physician, podiatrist, dentist, or
chiropractor. (2 Ky.R. 76; eff. 9-10-75; Am. 7 Ky.R. 310; 442; eff. 11-6-80; 11
Ky.R. 734; eff. 12-11-84; 13 Ky.R. 901; eff. 12-2-86.)